This weekend @ Docklands: Japanese Festival, Sunday Market, $15 pizzas & ice-skating fun

Once again there is plenty to see and do this weekend at Docklands. Just take your pick...

Japanese Summer Festival - Saturday, 27th February 4pm - 8pm
Soak up the atmosphere at the Japanese Summer Festival at the Waterfront City piazza. Enjoy free performances such as Japanese Drumming (Wadaiko Rindo), Japanese Summer Dances (Bon Odori), Start (Performance) Taiko & Singing (Huntingdale Bilingual School) and more. You can also be in the raffle draw to win one of 3 x $100 gift vouchers to Orient Express - the world's first hot AND cold sushi train!

Cost: FREE

$15 Pizza & Pasta Day at Bellissimo - This Sunday & every Sunday!
On Sunday, indulge in a cheep and cheerful meal at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. On Sunday it's their weekly $15 Pizza and Pasta Day. Choose a main size pizza, pasta or risotti and pay just $15. Visit: www.bellissimo.net.au

Docklands Sunday Market
There are plenty of bargains to be had at the Docklands Sunday Market. Located just off of Docklands Rd, near the corner of Doepel Way, you can find everything from arts to antiques, books to beauty. It opens from 10am to 5pm. More info: www.collectorsmarket.com.au

Ice-skating activities at Icehouse
Come and test out your skills on the ice with a number of weekend activities at Dockland's brand new Icehouse. From Friday night to Sunday there are a range of events for all the family to enjoy including '80s Countdown, Ice SK8 Party (kid's disco) and Sunday Blues. Each event is set to a special sound and lights system, including a DJ playing music for you to skate to. Check out the full range of activities here: http://www.icehouse.com.au/home/whats-on

Video: Opening of IceHouse at Docklands

Have you been watching the Winter Olympics in Vancouver? Has it inspired you to hit the ice? Then Melbourne's new state-of-the-art skating rink, the Icehouse, is the perfect place for you to start. Opened on the 12th February by Victorian Premier John Brumby, the Icehouse is a world-class sports facility which contains two Olympic sized ice rinks, sound and light systems, stadium seating for up to 1,000 people, specialist winter sports gym and a café, bar and function rooms.

To see a preview of the venue, click on the video above of the Icehouse's grand opening earlier this month. Web: www.icehouse.com.au

Docklands restaurants to switch off for Earth Hour, 27th March 2010

A number of Docklands restaurants are getting behind Earth Hour by switching off all unnecessary lights on Saturday 27th March at 8.30pm.

Earth Hour is a global event which involves nearly 100 iconic landmarks in 1,000 cities and towns around the world switching off their lights as a show of their commitment to the environment.

Show your support of Earth hour by dining at one of these participating Earth Hour restaurants at Docklands:
• Butchers Grill
• Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria
• BlueFire Churrascaria Grill
• Fish Seafood Grill
• Livebait
• Mecca Bah
• Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill
• Steakhouse
• Yum Cha Dragon

More information at www.earthhour.org.au

This weekend @ Docklands: Wooden Boat Festival, Chinese New Year, Market & $15 Pizza Pasta Day

It's another jam-packed weekend at Docklands. Kicking off tonight will be St Kilda versus Collingwood in the pre-season NAB Cup. They play at Etihad Stadium tonight, doors open from 6pm. Check out what's also happening this weekend below:

Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival (19th-21st Feb)
The Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival at Victoria Harbour, brings together the wooden boat and classic yacht groups in and around the city. The event is designed to promote wooden boat heritage and connect a broader public with the spirit of timber boating. The program includes both on water and piazza displays (on land). The event is expected to attract between 2,000 and 6,000 visitors over the two days and one evening. Click here for more info.

Chinese New Year celebrations (20th Feb)
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a free cultural event at Waterfront City this Saturday 20th February. There will be a whole range of activities such as Lion Dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, traditional Chinese handicrafts, clowns, art competitions and much, much more.

$15 Pizza & Pasta Day at Bellissimo
On Sunday, indulge in a cheep and cheerful meal at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria. On Sunday it's their weekly $15 Pizza and Pasta Day. Choose a main size pizza, pasta or risotti and pay just $15. Visit: www.bellissimo.net.au

Docklands Sunday Market
While you're there, you may also like to browse the bargains at the at Docklands Market. Located just off of Docklands Rd, near the corner of Doepel Way, you can find everything from arts to antiques, books to beauty. It opens from 10am to 5pm.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Orient Express & Docklands!

Chinese New Year celebrations continue at Orient Express, Crown (also coming soon to Docklands!). Follow the dragon and lion dance processions from Crown promenade all the way to Orient Express (Level 1, Food Court). Catch all the action at the following times:

Lion dance: Monday, 15th February - Sunday, 21st February from 6.30pm

Meanwhile, the Docklands are also getting into the festive spirit by hosting a free cultural event at Waterfront City this Saturday 20th February. There will be a whole range of activities such as Lion Dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, traditional Chinese handicrafts, clowns, art competitions and much, much more.

While you're down at Waterfront City, make sure to check the variety of retail shops and restaurants including Bellissimo (Italian), Yum Cha Dragon (Chinese), BlueFire (Churrascaria), Butchers Grill (Mediterranean), and Fish Seafood Grill (seafood).

WHEN: Saturday 20 February 2010
TIME: 11am - 5pm
COST: Free
WHERE: Docklands Drive, Waterfront City, Melbourne Docklands. For more information, visit: www.waterfrontcity.com.au

Event: Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival 19th Feb - 21st Feb 2010

Boating enthusiasts, pay attention! The Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival brings together the wooden boat and classic yacht groups in and around the city. The event is designed to promote wooden boat heritage and connect a broader public with the spirit of timber boating.

The program includes both on water and piazza displays (on land). The event is expected to attract between 2,000 and 6,000 visitors over the two days and one evening.

Event Location:
The event will be held at d’Albora Marina, Victoria Harbour (Mel Ref 2E, E7).

Event Program:
Friday 19 February 2010
Boats move in, , arrival of the Tall Ships - Enterprize and One & All, Teacher development event and Welcome Function

Saturday 20 February 2010 - 9am to 7.30pm
Activities include: Sailors breakfast, Come n Try Sailing, Master classes, Dragon Boat exhibition, arrival of the Enterprize, Tall ship tours and sailing, Woodworking and Boat building exhibition, Model boat demonstration, live music, food and craft displays

Sunday 21 February - 9am to 7pm
Activities include: Sailors breakfast, Come n Try Sailing, Master classes, Dragon Boat Exhibition, Boat building demonstration, Model Boat Demonstration, Official festival close. Other event activities include: sailing / yachting, rowing, steamships, tall ships, nautical movies, knot tying, boat ferry trips, model boat sailing, R/C boats, wood turning. 4pm – boats depart.

Tickets:
The event is ticketed – tickets can be purchased by either visiting the website or at the event site from one of the ticket booths.

For more information, visit: http://www.woodenboat.com.au

Last minute Valentine's Day ideas: Book a romantic waterfront restaurant

Have you left organising Valentine's Day to the last minute? You're not the only one! Here is a solution that might just save the day. Choose from a range of stunning waterfront restaurants, and surprise your loved one with a romantic dinner for two.

Restaurants offering Valentine's Day specials:

Valentine's Day Dinner at Fish Seafood Grill

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: Waterfront City Docklands, Vic 3008
Fish Seafood Grill's full a la carte menu will be available plus Valentine's Day specials and a complimentary silk rose for every couple
Bookings: 9640 0686 / online
www.fishrestaurant.com.au

Butchers Grill - 2 Locations

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Price: $89.00 per person
Includes: Entree, Main & Dessert
Bonus: A complimentary silk rose for every couple
Locations: Waterfront City, Docklands, Ph 9640 0696 AND Bourke Street, Melbourne 9639 1222.
www.butchersgrill.com.au

Valentine's Day dinner at Steakhouse

Date: Sunday, 14th February 2010
Cost: $79.00 per person
Address: Pier 35, Port Melbourne / Docklands
Includes: 3 courses + side salad
Bonus: A complimentary silk rose for every couple.
http://www.steakhouse.net.au/pier35marina/valentines_day_dinner.htm http://www.steakhouse.net.au/newquay/valentines_day_dinner.htm

Valentine's Day Dinner at Saganaki Greek Cuisine & Grill

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: 62 NewQuay Docklands, Vic 3008
Saganaki will be offering a special Valentine's Day menu. Plus every couple will receive a complimentary silk rose.
www.saganaki.com.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at BlueFire Churrascaria Grill

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Cost: $59.00 per person
Address: Waterfront City, Docklands
Includes: Tasting Plate, Churrascaria, Dessert
Bonus: A complimentary silk rose for every couple.
www.bluefiregrill.com.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Bellissimo Cucina & Trattoria

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: Waterfront City Docklands, Vic 3008
Bellissimo will be offering a special Valentine's Day menu. Plus every couple will receive a complimentary silk rose.
www.bellissimo.net.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Yum Cha Dragon

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: Waterfront City Docklands, Vic 3008
Yum Cha Dragon will be offering Premium Yum Cha on Valentines Day. Plus every couple receive a complimentary silk rose
Bookings: 9329 6868 or online
www.yumcha.net.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Livebait

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: NewQuay Docklands, Vic 3008
Livebait's full a la carte menu will be available plus Valentine's Day specials and a complimentary silk rose for every couple.
www.livebait.com.au

Valentine's Day Dinner at Mecca Bah

Date: Sunday 14th February 2010
Address: 55a NewQuay Prom, Docklands
Mecca Bah's full a la carte menu will be available plus Valentine's Day cocktails and a complimentary silk rose for every couple.
www.meccabah.com.au

The Icehouse Grand Opening - Friday 12th February!

Get ready Melbourne, because The Icehouse is about to open its doors. Australia's first ice sports and entertainment venue, including two Olympic ice rinks, opens at 7pm this Friday 12th February at Waterfront City, Docklands.

The Icehouse also features winter sports gym, stadium seating, cafe and bar, plus much more. Open to the public, it will be available to skaters of all ages and experience levels from professional to beginner. Ice-skating will be on offer every day of the week, allowing you to take lessons from qualified instructors or join one of the many skate schools or sporting clubs, including curling or ice hockey.

Check out the new website, and sign up to receive the latest updates: www.icehouse.com.au

Super Tuesday at Docklands PLUS kids eat for free!

Reminder: Tomorrow is Super Tuesday at Docklands and another chance for you to save while you dine at a variety of restaurants. How does it work? Simple, all you have to do is order a minimum of main + dessert, you will automatically receive 50% off your food bill.

BONUS: The popular dining offer has improved. Now every day can be Super Tuesday when you sign up to become a Rivers Platinum Club member.

That's right, simply apply to be a member (for free!) and you can save 50% off lunch EVERY DAY and dinner every Tuesday. Yes, really! To sign up online visit: http://www.rivers.net.au/platinumclub.htm

BONUS: Kids up to 12 years old can now eat for free at participating restaurants. Valid Monday to Thursday for lunch and dinner - 1 free kids meal is available per paying adult. Additional children are 50% off regular price kids menu.

Conditions: 1 free kids meal per paying adult. Additional children at 50% off regular price kids menu price. Kids are aged up to 12 years. Not valid on public holidays or special event days (such as Christmas Day, Mothers / Fathers Day, NYE, Valentine's Day) Valid with other offers.

Terms & Conditions
Super Tuesday not valid for groups over 15 people or with any other offer, event or discount. Excludes ‘Pasta Mista’. Not valid on take away menu.